Singing Machine SML-383 Portable CDG Player Karaoke Machine, Black

I already inherited a wealth of karaoke files (.cdg) for my computer, so I was debating whether I should just purchase a pair of microphones and do a karaoke set up on my Mac, or just get a karaoke machine. I obviously decided to take the less tech-savvy route and got this machine, and I'm so glad I did! It was easy to set up and the controls were intuitive and made sense. I just connect my computer to my tv and speaker system to play the music and lyrics, and just let this little guy handle all the vocals. So far, I'm very pleased with it!I went ahead and purchased the Nady mic that was featured on the "frequently bought together" and am very happy with it. The Nady feels more solid than the mic that came with the Singing Machine, but both sound fine. No one has ever fought over "the good mic," so I think it's safe to say they're equally good. The sound output was just fine for home use. I know what a good sound system sounds like, and I also know how much they cost. I've also heard my share of bad sound systems and this is definitely not bad (regardless of cost). If anyone says otherwise, they are being far too picky for a $50 karaoke machine or got a bad unit.Also, if anyone is curious, it actually comes with two sample CDs. They each have about 20 traditional songs on them such as London Bridge, Alphabet Song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Yankee Doodle, etc. As well as some Christmas classics like Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Noel, etc.EDIT: In response to a comment, yes, it can play regular CDs like any other CD player.

This is a very robust, little machine that is great for the grade school Karaoke crowd. It takes CD+G CDs in the front panel.The set comes with one microphone and easily hooks into a TV with RCA hookups. So, you can play music from the TV/sound system and the Singing Machine.You can use it plugged into the power or as a stand-alone. (It uses eight C-Batteries when stand alone.)A couple of things ...You have to manage your expectations. You are paying less than $70 for this machine. There literally are Karaoke machines on Amazon for $5,999.99. The Singing Machine and the $6K machine are not the same.This is a Karaoke machine for the younger audience. If you've sung at semi-pro venues and were expecting the capabilities of a $20,000 machine for $50 then you will write a negative review. I just wanted something that was portable and could show the lyrics off of both store bought and homemade CD+G CDs. Score! On the durability, if the kids take care of the machine, it will outlast their interest in it. If your kids are rough and unsupervised then the machine will break. Nuff said.First, you need a TV to display the lyrics. Second, you need the CD+G CDs that come with the lyrics for this feature to work. (Might seem obvious, but more than one person thought that they could put any old CD in and the Singing Machine would "figure out" the lyrics. Tis not the case. Sorry.)Third, the disco lights are cool, but flash at a random rate, unrelated to the tempo of the songs. You can turn the lights on/off.There is a voice elimination button, but this only works with CD+G CDs that are recorded in a multi-plex fashion.I was able to get several hundred CD+G CDs for less than $40 (legally by the way).It is relatively simple to make your own CD+G CDs too if you have someone who is a bit of an audio and computer wiz in your family.

I bought this machine to have around the house. The price was excellent, and when it arrived I was pleasantly surprised at it's versatility. It is quite easy to use and has a feature on it that allows one to mute and sing over the vocal sound of a regular CD. It hooks up to the television so one can view lyrics if you have a karoake CD, however, I have not done this yet. I assume it will work as fine as the rest of the machine. The disco light feature is corny,at best, but kids seem to like it. The sound quality of the machine is fair to good. It has more features and is of much better quality than a Memorex machine I bought previously that cost more and broke within 3 uses. I anticipate that with care, this machine will last a while. We really enjoy this machine and I just bought an extra microphone so we can do duets!

Aside from low volume, this is an average product. It is an adequate product for the price if you want a toy for your child. The volume and microphone quality keep it from being a four star product.Pros:* It does what it says it will* It plays CDs (tried some Disney CD+Gs)* The video hook-up for lyrics works* The microphone works* My kid is happy* I have not experienced anything that I would classify as a manufacturer defect.* If you need a lot of volume you can hook the RCA output to a stereo system.Cons:* The unit volume is pretty low so you need to max-out the microphone and master volume knobs so you can hear yourself.* The speakers are directional so you either need to be directly in front of the unit or in a small room to be able to hear your voice well.* The microphone quality is not that great so there is low input together with low output which reduces volume.Notes:For anyone saying that the power cord is too loose, you must not be pushing the cord into the unit far enough. The fit is snug so you may not realize you can push it farther.